Hong Kong – National Games golfers are bracing for a sterner test at the Hong Kong Golf Club than the field faced during the recent Hong Kong Open, according to local star Taichi Kho. Kho, who will be competing alongside teammates Matthew Cheung, Jason Hak Shun-yat, and Jeffrey Shen Wang-ngai, believes the course conditions have changed significantly since Tom McKibbin's record-setting performance at the Open.
"I think, as players, we kind of expected the Hong Kong Open would beat up the course a little bit," Kho said. "But, you know, two weeks later, we come back and it's in pristine shape. It's a lot firmer, it's a lot faster than it was two weeks ago". He added, "It's playing how the course was designed to be played. So, you know, I doubt we'll see a 27-under this week". McKibbin won the Link Hong Kong Open with a record total of 27-under-par, taking advantage of softer fairways and greens that created ideal scoring conditions.
The National Games golf tournament teed off in Hong Kong on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Kho and his teammates are vying for medals in both the individual and team competitions. While Kho and Cheung will compete for the individual gold medal, Hak and Shen will focus on the team event. The China Golf Association (CGA) has stipulated that only two players from each team can compete individually, aligning with the format expected for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which will feature a mixed-team event with two players and only 36 holes.
"In terms of personal targets and team targets, I think we're all just looking to play our best possible golf, and we know our best ball can medal out here,” Kho stated, emphasizing the team's focus on peak performance. Jason Hak Shun-yat, the most experienced player on the Hong Kong team, is sharing his course knowledge with his teammates.
The Hong Kong squad includes established stars and rising talents. Ginnie Ding will lead the women's team, which also features Olympian Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching, Arianna Lau, and Sophie Han. Lau and Shen are making their National Games debuts. Danny Lai, CEO of the Golf Association of Hong Kong, China, anticipates a strong turnout from fans, potentially matching the crowds seen at the Hong Kong Open. Various activities are planned to enhance the public's appreciation for the sport.
The National Games feature teams from eight provinces and Macau, all competing for medals in individual and team events. The CGA Secretary-General, Wei Qinfeng, praised the preparations for the tournament, stating that "everything is in place". The event is seen as a significant opportunity to promote golf in Hong Kong and showcase the city as a destination for sports tourism.
